Word of the day: Taradiddle

Today’s “Word of the Day” is “taradiddle.” It comes from Merriam-Webster, which shares a new English word and meaning with readers. Meaning 1: “Taradiddle” means a small, silly, or childish lie — like a tiny fib someone tells. Meaning 2: It can also mean “pretentious nonsense,” which is when someone talks in a fake or show-off way that makes no real sense, as stated by Merriam-Webster.

In the novel Burmese Days (1934), writer George Orwell used the word to describe a woman telling a fake story about hunting. In a 2009 novel by Catriona McPherson, the word described a very big and dishonest story someone created.

Origin of the word taradiddle

Experts say no one knows exactly where the word “taradiddle” came from. Some think it comes from the verb “diddle,” meaning to cheat, but this connection has never been proven. There is also a claim it came from an Old English word meaning “to deceive,” but experts say this is very unlikely.


The word was already in use before 1796, when it appeared in a dictionary of casual speech. The word can also be spelled “tarradiddle,” and it is pronounced as “tar-uh-DID-l.”

A newspaper once wrote, “This investment is pure puffery and taradiddle,” meaning it was full of nonsense, as stated by Wordsmith. “Taradiddle” is basically a fancy word for a small lie or meaningless talk.

Opposites words

1. Truth
2. Fact
3. Honesty
4. Reality
5. Sincerity

Synonyms words

1. Lie
2. Fib
3. Nonsense
4. Baloney
5. Poppycock

How to use taradiddle in sentences

1. He told a taradiddle to avoid getting in trouble.
2. Don’t believe his story — it sounds like taradiddle.
3. The child’s excuse was just a small taradiddle.
4. Her speech was full of taradiddle and no real facts.
5. Stop the taradiddle and tell me the truth.

FAQs

Q1. What does the word “taradiddle” mean?

It means a small silly lie or talk that sounds fancy but has no real meaning, according to Merriam-Webster.

Q2. Is “taradiddle” a common English word today?

No, it is an old and rare word, but people still use it in books or fun conversations.